Pietro Parravano,
a commercial fisherman and past President of the Pacific Coast Federation
of Fishermen's Associations, will be receiving the Commerce Department’s
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) Environmental
Hero Award. The award will be presented by Vickie Nadolski, National
Weather Service (NWS) Western Region director, during ceremonies to
be held May 20 as part of a NWS Marine Users Group meeting in Half
Moon Bay.

Held in conjunction
with Earth Day celebrations, the award honors NOAA volunteers for
their “tireless efforts to preserve and protect our nation's
environment.” The award recognizes Parravano, owner/operator
of the commercial fishing vessel Anne B, for improving the
awareness of NWS forecasters and NOAA Office of Research (OAR) staff
to the hazards faced by the California fishing community. “His
contributions to NWS training programs and input to yearly field research
programs conducted by OAR and NWS have been invaluable,” said
Dave Reynolds, NWS meteorologist in charge for the San Francisco Bay
area.

“NOAA and
the nation are fortunate to have such dedicated people volunteer so
much of their time,” said retired Navy Vice Adm. Conrad
C. Lautenbacher, Ph.D., undersecretary of commerce for oceans
and atmosphere and NOAA administrator. “They set a perfect example
for others to follow in their communities. America needs more environmental
heroes like them.”

Established in 1995 to commemorate the 25th anniversary
of Earth Day, the NOAA Environmental Hero Award is presented to individuals
and organizations that volunteer their time to help NOAA carry out
its mission.

“On behalf of the 12,500 men and women working
for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, I am pleased
to present you with this 2003 Environmental Hero Award,” Lautenbacher
wrote in a letter to the recipients. “Your dedicated efforts
and outstanding accomplishments greatly benefit the environment and
make our nation a better place for all Americans.”

“Pietro
has been a leader in coastal marine issues for many years, as is illustrated
by his roles as a Commissioner on the Pew Oceans Commission and as
a past president of the Pacific Coast Federation of Fishermen's Associations,”
Reynolds added. “Over the last few years he has also contributed
significantly to NOAA's operational and research efforts through his
participation in marine forecaster training courses, and in planning
of NOAA’s Pacific Land-Falling Jets – known as PACJET
– and other research programs.”

Reynolds and Dr. Martin Ralph, of NOAA’s Environmental
Laboratory in Boulder, Colorado and principal scientist for PACJET
and other research projects, teamed together to submit the fisherman’s
nomination. "Pietro has provided valuable information and insights
into the needs for better short-term coastal marine forecasts,"
Ralph said. “His information has helped shape the PACJET effort
and he has provided the real-world experience upon which research
and operational priorities have been set. Pietro has eloquently described
the need for improved forecasting as a way to offset the increased
risks that fisherman must take as the seasons and areas for fishing
have been reduced.”

“Pietro Parravano has been a staunch advocate
of a healthy marine environment, sustainable fishing practices, and
advancing research to improve water management and coastal forecasting
that can save lives and property,” Reynolds added. “He
recently helped NWS Monterey establish a Marine Users Group that will
greatly improve NWS products and services to the marine community.”

This past November, Mr. Parravano presented an invited
paper at the Global Conference on Oceans, Coasts and Islands. His
paper was titled “Mobilizing for Implementation of the Commitments
Made at the 2002 World Summit on Sustainable Development for UNESCO
in Paris.” He is also a U.S. Delegate representing the World
Forum of Fish Harvesters and Fishworkers.

NOAA’s National Weather Service is the primary
source of weather data, forecasts and warnings for the United States
and its territories. NWS operates the most advanced weather and flood
warning and forecast system in the world, helping to protect lives
and property and enhance the national economy.

NOAA is dedicated to enhancing economic security and
national safety through the prediction and research of weather and
climate-related events and providing environmental stewardship of
our nation’s coastal and marine resources.